Was getting ready to order Lew's new Custom Pro Speed Spool today but noticed Tackle Warehouse has the Chronarch C14+ on sale for $189.99 (Normally $270!) Years ago I had all Shimano reels (Stolen) but when I started replacing them I changed over to Lew's because I felt they were a better quality reel. Over the years since I have come to love them for many reasons. I have not had the first hint of trouble with any of them. My dilemma is the Chronarch was at one time Shimano's top of the line reel and still is a higher-end reel that has since undergone many upgrades to include carbon side plates etc---etc--- etc...Other than handling it I have near zero experience with the Chronarch.

So, my question to you guys is which one would you get? Please give your reasoning behind you selection not just a "Vote".

Thanks in Advance!!

Chronarch at that price is a no brainer over the Lew's in my opinion. Disclaimer: I'm a Shimano guy. Contrary to what you said in your post, I think the quality of Shimano is superior to the Lew's reels.

I agree. I know nothing about Lews reels, but at that price the Chronarch is a no-brainer. Mine is the best reel I've ever fished with with the Curado being a very close second.

Just my opinion if you want a low profile only reel then Shimano Chronarch is the best hands down.
Now if you want the best quality reel for the best price that will last a lifetime, outcast anything on the market and is a super easy reel to work on then my only recommendation is a Abu Sweeden made reel.
My preferences are Morrum, Rockets, Trophy cast, Ultracast, C4 and C5.

Both reels are awesome. I've owned at least one reel from every manufacturer, mostly lews daiwa and shimano. With that being said, I've not yet handled any lews reels newer than the team lews lite,and it was a great reel. I just picked up a chronarch ci4 at academy and got them to price match tacklewarehouse plus an additional 5% off. Lews are very good reels, but for the price I would go with the chronarch, not just because it's a shimano. I own everything from daiwa steez, tatula ct, h2o menace, etc, so I'm not exactly brand loyal. If it feels good I buy it and fish the heck out of them.

Thanks for the update. Just ordered a Chronarch from TW. I've got a few Lew's and mostly Shimanos. I am a Shimano guy also.

Well I received the Chronarch Tuesday and have spent a little time with it in the cement pond out back----I put it on a GLommis GL2 7 ft. jig rod which handles nicely and is light weight and is a perfect fit with the rod. This IS a very nice reel---BUT----I have a Lew's Team Lite on a Lew's Custom Team Lite rod that is smoother, casts better/further and is smooth as silk, not to mention lighter. The Lew's retails for $239.99 the Shimano $269.99. So all in all I have to say had it not been the low sale price of the Chronarch I would send it back and get the Lew's!!

Are u using the exact same line and exact same strength of rod. That makes a difference. Also take the reel apart. I never ever use a factory fresh reel. I take apart every reel I buy and clean and relube with the correct amount of grease and oil. Manufacturers tend to coat on the grease which makes the reel slower and not as smooth as it could be.

The Chronarch and the Team Lews Lite feel like completely different reels in the hand. With or without line the Lew's is lighter and "MUCH" smoother. Don't get me wrong, as I said before, the Chronarch is a very nice reel especially for the sale price I got it for, but in my opinion the Lew's is the better choice.

I don't have a Lews but do have experience with Shimanos. So I can speak to them.

I used to have a Calais and used Curados E7 and E5s mostly for bass fishing for years. I also fiddled with the Metanium and Alderbaron at BPS in Grapevine in 2016. The Calais although was beyond smooth and cast a mile, just seemed too nice to me so I hardly ever used it and ended up selling it on this site. The Curados were great honestly, but I just moved up slightly.

In the end, I just like the way the Chronarch Ci4 feels in my hands. They are noticeably lighter, hold more than enough line and weighs 6.2 oz. I had 2 and ordered the last RH Chronarch from Tackle Warehouse! And I've caught tons of bass on them so far and they handle well.

Anything Lews.

My buddy has sent his CI4 and 200E7 multiple times to Shimano for repair.

Lews, you won't need to send it in.

Shimano has went down on their quality big time in my opinion

I'm confused-- You say the Calais was too nice to use so you sold it and now have 2 Chronarchs that are 2 steps above the Calais???

Lews are hands down one of the best reels on the market right now. Comes from the same factory as Abu Garcia and super light. Ive been repairing reels for a long time and the speed spool is the best Ive come across.

Agreed!!

Sorry just my 2 cents but I disagree with any fishing reel of any brand made in Korea or China.
If its not made in Japan or Sweeden I'm out.